Multi-functionality issues for small ruminants: What changes are needed in territorial public policies and training?

• Published in: Small ruminant research 2014-09, Vol.121 (1), p.136-145
• Main Authors: Dubeuf, Jean-Paul, Sayadi, Samir
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Externalities; Goat development; Millennium Development Goals (MDG); Multi-functionality; Training
• ISSN: 0921-4488; 1879-0941
• DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2014.04.007

The livestock sector is facing important environmental, economic and social challenges, and therefore the concept of multi-functionality has been developed as a response. Two different round tables were organized to explore the main issues of multi-functionality for goat raising and their consequences in training for goat keepers. Each round table was formally a focus group in which the participants each explained their perceptions. The territory is seen here not only as a spatial support but also as a social setting, where all the activities and actors’ strategies meet and compete. The various functions of goats (primary, secondary and tertiary productive functions; environmental, socio-cultural, esthetic ones) were debated to see how their externalities could be operational to support their development. The main obstacles to mobilize these externalities and satisfy new social demands and concerns were examined. Education and professional training for goat keepers must change their objectives, programs and methodology, and favor effective collaboration between all territorial actors involved in goats to meet these new innovative strategies. Some initiatives in training were presented from Spain, India, and Brazil, all providing a large place for in situ learning, local knowledge, and participatory approaches. Developing large interactions and networking at an international level between actors involved in extension and training could help build new initiatives, new strategies, and new approaches.